Visual identity technical guidelinesMotivating Version 02 1 April 2009 musical achievement

Welcome to ABRSM

ABRSM Visual Identity Technical Guidelines Issue 1 April 2009 ABRSM is the leading authority on musical assessment. By delivering our exams rigorously and consistently we set the worldwide gold standard, with over 600,000 people, in over 90 countries, choosing to Contents take them every year. As part of our commitment to excellence in , we provide a rich resource 2 Welcome to ABRSM of materials, from albums of repertoire for the earliest stages of learning to scholarly 4 Exams & assessments editions of the great composers. Our online presence includes SoundJunction, our 16 Publications award-winning site for music learners. 18 Professional development We know that good teachers endeavour to enhance their professional skills. We 19 Further information support their continuing professional development through our innovative courses and online learning resources. To build on our 120 years inspiring generations of musicians, we provide charitable donations, scholarships and sponsorships, as well as acting as an advocate for music education. We do all we can to give music a voice in public life because we believe it has the power to change people’s lives. Welcome to ABRSM This booklet aims to give you an overview of all our activities. You can explore in more Music is at the heart of our work. We are here to support detail at www.abrsm.org. and encourage music learning throughout the world so that everyone can share in its power. ABRSM has the authority of four We motivate musical achievement through our authoritative of the UK’s leading conservatoires:

assessment of students, the professional development of their n , teachers, and a wide range of published resources. We also n , London actively support music education through funding and advocacy. n Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

n Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, Glasgow

2 3 Exams and assessments

n Prep Test

n Grades 1–8

n Diplomas

n Music Medals Beginners and upwards We want to bring the power of music to all age groups and every level of ability. n Performance Assessment Many students will start with the Prep Test and then work through all the grades n Ensembles from 1 to 8, but we do not impose a set pattern. A student may begin with the grade that best suits their ability – and it does not matter if a grade is ‘missed out’. For people to get the richest experience from performing music, we believe that a thorough knowledge and understanding of the elements of music is essential. So, before moving on to a practical exam at Grade 6, 7 or 8, a student must first pass Grade 5 (or above) in Theory of Music, Practical Musicianship or a solo Jazz subject. These have in common a level of musical understanding which acts as a solid Since 1889, we have provided music teachers and their students foundation for further development as a musician. with exams and assessments that nurture and evaluate an individual’s performance and progress. As the world’s largest and leading specialist in music assessment, our consistent and Certificates and mark forms rigorous approach carries recognised international authority. All successful exam candidates receive a certificate to mark their achievement. Practical graded exam candidates also receive a mark form, Motivation and encouragement written by the examiner during the We have designed our exams and assessments to motivate students of all levels exam. Theory candidates receive a and ages, giving them a series of realistic goals and tangible rewards for their form listing the marks awarded to achievements. each question. Exam syllabuses are not intended to provide a complete curriculum. Students are We provide the mark form to give encouraged to play and experience as much music as possible, embracing a wide teachers, candidates and parents a range of genres. clear, consistent and fair indication of the strengths and weaknesses in each part of the exam.

4 5 Our exams and assessments Let’s take a closer look at the exams and assessments we offer.

Prep Test Grades 1–8: Instrumental and singing exams The Prep Test is designed for students who have been learning an instrument for about Practical syllabuses are available in over 35 subjects, from Piano to Percussion, and six to nine months. Working towards this early goal encourages the development of good from Harpsichord to Horn. There is a separate Jazz syllabus for Flute, Clarinet, Sax, technique and sound musicianship. It is also an ideal introduction to the experience of Trumpet, Trombone, Piano and Ensembles. taking an exam. Pieces for each syllabus have been carefully selected to provide maximum choice whilst We have developed the Prep Test to be as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. No marks covering the key skills necessary at a particular level. Our aim is to inspire teachers and are awarded and there is no pass or fail. At the end of the assessment every candidate is students by giving them the widest possible variety of repertoire. rewarded with a certificate which includes positive and helpful comments from the examiner. Practical exams have four sections, giving candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through prepared work and musicianship tests:

n Set pieces/songs Grades 1–8 Each of the eight graded exams represents n Scales and / a logical step in the musical development broken chords, or, for singers, of a student. an unaccompanied folk song Graded exams are available for: n Sight-reading or quick study n Aural tests n Piano, Jazz Piano* n Horn n Harpsichord n Trumpet, n Organ Jazz Trumpet* n Cornet, Jazz Cornet* n Violin n Flugelhorn, Jazz Flugelhorn* Grades 1–8: Theory of Music and n Viola Practical Musicianship exams n E Horn n Cello We aim to encourage an education n Trombone, n Double Bass in music that is as broad as possible, Jazz Trombone* n Guitar covering both the theoretical and n Bass Trombone n Harp the practical. We provide a Theory of n Baritone Music syllabus, examined through n Euphonium n Recorder written exams, and a Practical n Tuba n Flute, Jazz Flute* Musicianship syllabus that uses n Oboe practical methods to assess musical n Percussion n Clarinet, understanding. Jazz Clarinet* In a Practical Musicianship exam n Bassoon n Singing candidates demonstrate their n Saxophone, understanding of melody, harmony, Jazz Sax* n Theory of Music rhythm and form by responding to n Practical questions about music and by singing Musicianship or playing an instrument of their choice in a series of tests.

* Not available in all countries: check the Examination Information & Regulations booklet for availablity

6 7 Diplomas Music Medals ABRSM diplomas provide an authoritative Music Medals are our assessments and teaching resources, devised to introduce assessment framework for a wide range essential musical skills and encourage playing together. of musicians. Progressively structured across five levels, Music Medals provide goals and celebrate There are three subjects for diplomas: achievement. Copper and Bronze are for beginners, whilst Silver, Gold and Platinum reward further musical progress. n Music Performance Fully supported by award winning publications, Music Medals are flexible and inclusive, n Music Direction providing a suggested teaching format and resources. Assessments take place in n Instrumental/Vocal Teaching normal lesson time and each Music Medal covers three activities: playing together, playing solo and musicianship skills. Performances are video recorded, marked by the and each subject has three levels of award: teacher and moderated by ABRSM. Successful candidates are awarded a certificate, n Diploma of The Associated Board of the and, of course, a Music Medal. Find out more at www.abrsm.org/musicmedals. Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM) Music Medals assessments are available in the UK, and the ensemble publications n Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music are available worldwide. (LRSM)

n Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music (FRSM) The diplomas are designed to encourage a diversity of approaches to performing, directing and teaching music and to stimulate achievement through acquiring skills, knowledge and understanding. These highly respected and letter-bearing qualifications provide valuable opportunities for professional musicians (and those aspiring to be so) to gain recognition for their abilities and achievements.

8 9 Performance Assessment For many adults who return to playing or singing after a long break, who begin to learn a new instrument from scratch, or for musicians with specific needs, an exam is not always the most appropriate kind of assessment. The Performance Assessment is an alternative that provides a valuable performing experience. Participants can play their own choice of repertoire and come away with a written report containing constructive comments and advice from a member of our examining panel.

Ensembles We offer syllabuses for a wide range of ensembles from duos and trios to jazz ensembles and choirs.

10 11 Entering for exams: Entering for exams: UK and Ireland All other countries

Practical exams Dates of exams vary from country Online services: There are three exam periods per year, to country. In most cases your local Malaysia and Singapore in the spring, summer and autumn. ABRSM Representative will be able Our online exam services to provide information about entry offer teachers in Malaysia and Theory exams procedures, dates and fees. Leaflets Singapore direct access to all their There are three exam days per year, in detailing this information are also exam entry details at any time. the spring, summer and autumn. published for each country. They are Each teacher’s online account available from your Representative or provides a hub of essential and from our office in London. Details of helpful information at every step: ABRSM Centres your nearest Representative can be making an exam entry, briefing We have exam centres throughout the found in the Examination Information students about attending for their UK and Ireland, many of which are run & Regulations booklet (international exam, and viewing their results. with the assistance of our Honorary edition) or at www.abrsm.org. www.abrsm.org Local Representatives. When allocating appointments for practical exams our administration team makes every effort to be as flexible as possible. We will always try to take into consideration any preferences indicated Access for our candidates on the exam entry form. with specific needs

Standard Visits and Special Visits We are aware of the importance of providing opportunities for all candidates irrespective of Teachers or schools with a large number of candidates and a suitable venue can opt for sensory impairment, learning difficulties, physical challenges, or other specific needs. one of our visit schemes, where our examiner hears candidates at the school or teacher’s One option is the Performance Assessment (see page 11). We also make provision for those home, rather than at an ABRSM Centre. who wish to take graded exams. We aim to ensure that all candidates can take part as fully as Standard Visits take place within one possible in every section of an exam. of the three main exam periods (in the spring, summer and autumn). Special We publish guidelines covering provisions for candidates who are blind or partially- Visits take place outside these sessions Online services on a date chosen by the teacher. sighted; deaf or hearing-impaired; with Our online exam services offer teachers dyslexia and other learning difficulties; Further information about entry direct access to all their exam entry with autistic spectrum disorders and arrangements, including exam dates details at any time. Each teacher’s online those with other specific needs. In some and entry fees, can be found on entry account provides a hub of essential and cases the guidelines include details of forms (which we revise annually) and helpful information at every step: making the availability of alternative tests. For in the Examination Information & an exam entry, briefing students about candidates with requirements outside of Regulations booklet for the UK and attending for their exam, and viewing these guidelines, arrangements will be Ireland. their results. www.abrsm.org considered on an individual basis. Our guidelines are published at www.abrsm.org/exams.

12 13 Accreditation

In the UK Our diplomas, graded exams (for individual instruments, Singing and Theory of Music) and Music Medals are accredited in England by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the corresponding regulatory authorities in Wales (ACCAC) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). They are part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and have also been Safeguarding children approved under Section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. The overwhelming majority of our exam In other countries candidates are children. We acknowledge Our exams are recognised formally in a number of other countries. In Australia, Canada our responsibility for the safety and and South Africa our exams can be used for credit towards the relevant qualifications taken welfare of children while taking our by students completing compulsory secondary education. Contact us for full details of exams, or otherwise under our temporary accreditation worldwide. care. All staff working on behalf of ABRSM are required to accept this responsibility For UK higher education institutions and are committed to practices which Our exams at Grades 6, 7 and 8 attract points under the tariff of the Universities and protect children from harm. Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) for applications from students worldwide for places at We have adopted formal child higher education institutions in the UK. safeguarding guidelines, supplementing existing procedures with a code of practice for everyone working on our behalf. We regularly review our child safeguarding policy. Examiners The policy can be viewed at www.abrsm.org. Our examining panels consist of over 700 This places the emphasis firmly on the musicians, all highly qualified and skilled music, rather than technique, and gives in their own field. Individual experience is consistency across the syllabuses. combined with comprehensive and rigorous Examiners conducting Jazz exams are training, both prior to acceptance on to the Equal opportunities selected for their expertise, experience panel and whilst they remain a member of it. and background in jazz, either as We provide all our examiners with instrumentalists or teachers. Jazz ABRSM is committed to providing continuing professional development, examiners assess any instrument in the equality of opportunity and treatment moderation and monitoring. The result is a Jazz syllabus. for all and will not unlawfully or unfairly team of examiners that we trust and know to discriminate directly or indirectly on Where possible, two examiners are present be impartial, objective and consistent. the basis of gender, age, ethnic origin at every level of diploma exam. Whenever or disability in our dealings with exam ABRSM graded exams are music exams possible, one examiner will be a specialist candidates, parents, teachers, examiners, rather than instrumental or singing exams. in the discipline concerned, the other a representatives or stewards. Examiners are assessing the quality of the generalist. music-making, not how it is achieved. For this reason we do not restrict examiners to assessing only their own instrument but require them to examine all instruments.

14 15 Publications SoundJunction SoundJunction is our free, multi-award- As part of our commitment winning website where you can:

to excellence in music n Explore music by taking it apart and education, we provide a listening to individual instruments to rich range of materials to find out how it all works support our exams and to n Create your own music and discover the help everyone get the most nuts and bolts of music theory by out of music-making. playing and exploring n Listen to music specially written and recorded by top musicians and composers

n Discover music and instruments from different traditions and countries SoundJunction has over 100 hours of audio and video and more than 1,000 pages The scope of our publications covers wide-ranging and extensive covering over 300 pieces of music from traditions around the world. instrumental catalogues, scholarly editions of the great www.abrsm.org/soundjunction composers and jazz publications for a variety of instruments.

There are also albums of specially-commissioned pieces by Libretto contemporary composers in the Spectrum series. The latest news, features and developments at ABRSM are available in our magazine Libretto, published three Publications to support our exams include: times a year and free to teachers all over the world. n Albums that complement our n Scales, arpeggios and broken chords instrumental and vocal syllabuses, n Theory and musicianship textbooks You can browse through current and back both classical and jazz issues of Libretto at www.abrsm.org. n Scholarly, practical editions of the n CDs and audio downloads of exam major Baroque, Classical and Romantic repertoire composers’ keyboard music n Practice aural tests and n Biographies, guides and companions sight-reading/quick studies

Our publications are available at music shops worldwide and online from www.abrsm.org/publications.

16 17 Further information

n All syllabuses and other relevant information can be found Professional at www.abrsm.org.

development n Syllabuses, information booklets and entry forms are available free of charge from our Representatives, All musicians need good Honorary Local Representatives, or our office in London. teachers to nurture and develop n These Music Exams is a comprehensive guide for candidates, their talents – and good teachers teachers and parents which answers the questions they ask endeavour to enhance their most frequently. It sets out the criteria used by our examiners professional skills. We support and covers all aspects of preparing for and taking exams. their continuing professional It is available from our Representatives, Honorary Local development through our Representatives, our office in London or at www.abrsm.org. innovative courses and online learning.

In the UK teachers can choose Outside the UK the following courses Getting in touch from three core courses: are regularly available:

n Certificate of Teaching (CT ABRSM) n Certificate of Teaching (CT ABRSM) Available as a one year, part-time Available in the one year, part-time Our Representatives, Honorary Local Representatives and course, or as a fast-track residential format in Hong Kong and Indonesia other contacts are listed on our website: www abrsm.org course over six months n Professional Development n Teaching Music Effectively Programme A short course including four study days Regular seminars and workshops for teachers in South East Asia n An Introduction to Instrumental and Vocal Teaching n Centenary Travel Grant Fund Contact us: One-day course Supports a variety of courses and conferences all over the world ABRSM UK and Ireland enquiries All other countries enquiries 24 Portland Place T +44 (0)20 7636 5400 T +44 (0)20 7467 8240 London W1B 1LU E [email protected] E [email protected] As well as our core courses, we provide syllabus seminars - whenever particular syllabuses United Kingdom are updated - and other courses to support teachers’ development throughout their careers. We also offer a range of short courses, workshops and seminars around the world

that provide for the needs of teachers at all stages in their careers and reflect the latest Fotolia.com iStockphoto.com, Shutterstock.com, Photos: developments in music education. You can find further details about our teaching courses at www.abrsm.org/teachers.

18 19 ABRSM 24 Portland Place London W1B 1LU United Kingdom

www.abrsm.org 07/2009